Hammer Toes Specialist

Family Foot & Ankle Care

Adam Nguyen, DPM

Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Lubbock, TX

About seven million people in the United States receive treatment for hammertoes. If you notice an unusual bend in your toes or have other symptoms of hammertoe, Adam Nguyen, DPM, at Family Foot & Ankle Care can help. At the office in Lubbock, Texas, he offers diagnostic testing and treatment for pain relief. Learn more about hammertoe treatments by calling the office today.

Hammer Toes Q&A

What is a hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a deformity that describes a bending of one or both joints in your second, third, fourth, and fifth toes. This bending puts pressure on your toes and can make it difficult for you to wear shoes without pain.

The primary cause of hammertoe is an imbalance in the muscles or tendons of your toes. The imbalance causes your toes to bend sideways over time. You might also be prone to hammertoe if you wear shoes that are too tight or if you experience trauma to your foot or toes.

Hammertoe generally starts as a mild deformity, but the condition can worsen over time without treatment. Your toes can become too rigid to move and are more difficult to treat without surgery.

What are the symptoms of hammertoe?

Hammertoe symptoms include a noticeable bending in your toes. You might have pain when walking or wearing shoes.

Other common symptoms of hammertoe include:

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Redness
  • Open sores
  • Burning sensation in the affected toes

To prevent a worsening of your condition, Dr. Nguyen recommends scheduling a diagnostic evaluation when your pain becomes persistent or when you can no longer wear shoes comfortably.

How is hammertoe treated?

Treating hammertoe generally begins with non-surgical therapies like padding your shoes or using orthotic inserts to take the pressure off your toes. Orthotics can also help control the muscle or tendon imbalance to prevent a worsening of your condition.

You should also avoid wearing tight or narrow shoes and high heels. Choose wide-fitting shoes in the right size for your feet.

You can find relief from pain with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. In some cases, injections that deliver corticosteroids directly into your toes can address pain if oral medications aren’t working.

When your hammertoe is advanced and your toes become rigid, you might need surgery to correct the deformity. The goal of surgery is to release the contracted tendons or muscles and realign your toes into the proper position.

To learn more about the available treatments for hammertoe, call Family Foot & Ankle Care or book an appointment online today.